the deep snow, in
the hope of reaching the wood.

So rapidly did the snow come down that in a few moments it was several
inches deep. Every instant it was increasing and rendering my progress
more difficult. I urged on the poor animal, which seemed to know its
danger and did its utmost, but thicker and thicker fell the snow, and in
a short time, night coming on, it became so dark that I was literally
unable to see my hand held close to my face; except judging by the wind,
I could not tell in what direction we were going. I could only hope
that the instinct of the animal might guide it towards the wood in which
shelter could be obtained.

As to seeking my companions, that was out of the question. I shouted to
them every now and then, but no voice answered my calls. I knew,
however, that they all, being well acquainted with the country, would
endeavour to reach the shelter for which I was aiming, and I hoped at
length to meet them there.

The cold was intense; even had I possessed my overcoat it would have
been bad enough to bear, but with only moderately thick clothing on, I
felt the wind pierce to my very bones. I rode on, however, as long as I
was able to sit my horse, but at length my limbs became so benumbed by
the cold that I could ride no further. The poor beast also was almost
exhausted with his exertions in plunging on through the deep snow.

Hoping to keep somewhat warm by walking I dismounted, and leading him by
the bridle tried to get along. At every step I made I sank halfway up
to my knees, and could scarcely lift my feet high enough to make another
step forward; still, it would be death to stay where I was. I went on,
hoping that I was approaching the wood. Now and then I stopped and
shouted; still there was no reply.

I became at length convinced that I must have either passed the wood or
been going in another direction. No sound reached my ears but that of
the thick-falling snow, which seemed to come down in a mass upon the
earth, so rapidly did it accumulate.

Sandy, I knew, would be very anxious about me, and would take every
means to discover where I had gone; but even in daylight he could not
have followed my track, as the snow must instantly have obliterated it.

I resolved as long as I had strength to push on, though I had missed the
wood for which I was aiming. I might, I hoped, in time reach another
which would afford me protection.

The storm instead of abating only seemed t